Mere C.S. Lewis
By Mere C.S. Lewis
Mere C.S. LewisApr 22, 2024
Out of the Silent Planet
Step into the vivid world of C.S. Lewis' 'Out of the Silent Planet' with Thornton and guest Andrew Lazo! 🌌 Join us as we journey alongside Dr. Elwin Ransom to the mysterious planet of Malacandra, where vibrant landscapes and strange creatures await. From the crimson skies to the jagged mountains, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring adventure that awaits. Links referenced: The “Lost” C. S. Lewis Tapes (rabbitroom.com)
A Cosmic Find in The Screwtape Letters - A Pilgrim in Narnia
Mere Christians: A C. S. Lewis Conference Tickets, Fri, Apr 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite
For your listening pleasure, the episode ends with Holst's Mercury.
Connect with him on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email at merecslewis@gmail.com. Send a voice message at this link. Please like, rate, or subscribe.
Check out the new https://merecslewis.com/
Science Fiction Poems
Thornton reads three captivating poems by our favorite legendary author: 'Evolutionary Hymn,' 'Prelude to Space,' and 'Science Fiction Cradle-Song.' Thornton handpicked these gems for their thematic resonance with the beloved Ransom trilogy.
Connect with him on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email at merecslewis@gmail.com. Send a voice message at this link. Please like, rate, or subscribe.
Check out the new https://merecslewis.com/
Religion and Rocketry
Jordan, from the Lesser-Known Lewis podcast, talks with Thornton about Lewis essay about faith, salvation, and aliens. Check out the LKL podcast at this link. Check out Jordan on Fargo here. Connect with him on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com. Send a voice message at this link. Please like, rate, or subscribe.
Check out the new https://merecslewis.com/
Prince Caspian Stage Play
Thornton interviews the creative forces behind the Prince Caspian stage play. They talk about their love for Lewis, adaptation decisions, and the future of Lewis' work on stage.
The play is running at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. from 01 March to 27 April, 2024. You can purchase tickets at this site.
You can learn more about the Academy of Arts and Logos Theater at this site.
Let's connect on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com. Also, check out the new www.merecslewis.com where I've posted a review of the play.
The Horse and His Boy Stage Play
Thornton and Andrew have a lovely talk with Nicole Stratton and Justin Swain about their stage adaptation of The Horse and His Boy. The discussion covers all things Narnia (including some breaking news), the creative process, and their philosophy of stage ministry. They performed their play at the Museum of the Bible from 20 January 2023 to 04 March 2023. Be prepared: the episode contains light spoilers for the play.
On Stories
Thornton lays out the map for the new journey through Lewis' life and writings. He discusses the essay "On Stories" to learn what Lewis had to say about stories, characters, and plot. Connect with him on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com. Check out the new www.merecslewis.com
Surprised by Oxford Review
You can check out the movie here.
You can buy the book here.
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
CSL Reading Day 2023
Andrew and Thornton celebrate #CSLewisReadingDay with discussing their favorite passages of his works (Thornton discusses Chapter 3 and 4 of The Pilgrim's Regress and Andrew shares a part of the essay The Weight of Glory). Plus, they reflect on the first leg of their journey reading all his spiritual works. They give a peak into what's ahead for them and the podcast as well.
You can check out the FB Live event here and view it at 7-8pm EST and 7-8pm PST on 29 November 2023.
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer
Andrew and Thornton discuss Lewis' last published book. The conversation covers favorite quotes and their own experiences with prayer.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Book
- Criticisms of the Book
- Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes
References in Episode:
C.S. Lewis was Wrong about Psalm 23
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
Footnote to All Prayers
In preparation for #CSLewisReadingDay on 29 November, we will read some of our favorite C.S. Lewis poems. You can find out more about the Reading Day here.
Prayer
In preparation for #CSLewisReadingDay on 29 November, we will read some of our favorite C.S. Lewis poems.
You can find out more about the Reading Day here.
The Future of Forestry
You can find out more about the Reading Day here.
Narnian Suite
In preparation for #CSLewisReadingDay on 29 November, we will read some of our favorite C.S. Lewis poems.
You can find out more about the Reading Day here.
If you want to learn more about the Narnian Suite poem then click here.
A Grief Observed
Andrew and Thornton discuss Lewis' most emotional work where he processes the loss of his wife, Joy. The conversation covers famous quotes from the text, if Lewis went through the five stages of grief, and how this prepares us for our own grief.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Book
- Criticisms of the Book
- Mentions and References in Popular Culture
- Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes
References in Episode:
Music
A Grief Observed by Heath McNeese
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
LKL-The Language of Religion (Part 2)
Andrew and Thornton serve as guests on the Lesser-Known Lewis podcast to talk about Lewis' essay "The Language of Religion". This is part 2 of 2.
Check out Lesser-Known Lewis at their website.
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
LKL-The Language of Religion (Part 1)
Andrew and Thornton serve as guests on the Lesser-Known Lewis podcast to talk about Lewis' essay "The Language of Religion". This is part 1 of 2.
Check out Lesser-Known Lewis at their website.
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
Cartas de Narnia
Thornton interviews Lucas from Cartas de Narnia. They discuss the affect of Lewis on their lives, his influence on Brazil, and Lucas' favorite Lewis works i.e. The Discarded Image and Till We Have Faces.
Stay tuned for more information on C.S. Lewis Reading day on 29 November 2023.
You can connect with Lucas on Instagram at Cartas de Narnia or on 'X' aka Twitter at Cartas de Narnia.
Connect with us on Instagram @merecslewis, 'X' aka Twitter at @MereCSLewis or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.
Transposition
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's theory of "transposition". Like an orchestral score being transposed for a piano, so are higher i.e. spiritual experiences transposed into natural expressions.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the essay
- Thoughts and Analysis
- Close out
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis and merecslewis@gmail.com.
The Four Loves
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's thoughts on love. Lewis discusses the categories of love, love for humans and non-humans, and the four types of loves.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Book’s reception
- Overview of the Book
- Thoughts and Analysis Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis and merecslewis@gmail.com.
On Forgiveness
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's thoughts on forgiveness. Lewis discusses the difference between excusing and forgiveness and what the Lord requires of us concerning forgiveness.
Episode Outline:
- Banter/The Horse and His Boy ticket discounts
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Book
- Thoughts and Analysis
- Andrew and Thornton's stories of forgiveness
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis and merecslewis@gmail.com. You can read the essay here: https://www.maitlandpres.org/post/cslewis
The Necessity of Chivalry
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's thoughts on chivalry. Lewis discusses the major themes of the poems and how they have nourished his walk.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Book
- Thoughts and Analysis
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis and merecslewis@gmail.com.
Reflection on the Psalms
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's thoughts and meditations on the Bible's book of poetry. Lewis discusses the major themes of the poems and how they have nourished his walk.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Book/Thoughts and Analysis
- Criticisms of the Book
- Game: Psalms trivia
References in Episode:
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
The Efficacy of Prayer
We had some audio and technical issues so please forgive the low quality.
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
The Most Reluctant Convert
You can purchase the movie here: cslewismovie.com/
Also, here is the Tolkien movie they reference: Tolkien
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
Surprised by Joy
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's memoir. Lewis explains his emotional and spiritual journey from atheism to Christianity.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Book
- Criticisms of the Book
- Mentions and References in Popular Culture
- Thornton and Andrew's Testimonies
- Game: CS Lewis Mad Lib
References in Episode:
- Wordsworth's Surprised by Joy poem
- The Most Reluctant Convert Website
- Wallpaper Revival's Surprised by Joy album
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
The Weight of Glory - Essay
Andrew and Thornton discuss another C.S. Lewis essay set during the beginning years of WWII. Lewis gives a biblical explanation of glory and what it means for the daily Christian walk. Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
Miracles
Andrew and Thornton journey through Lewis's last formal apologetic work. Lewis's argument helps the brothers see the World and their Faith in a new light.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context (Broadcasts took place in WWII)
- Overview of the Book
- Criticisms of the Book
- Mentions and References in Popular Culture
- Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes
- Game: Where did the Miracle occur?
References in Episode:
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
Why I’m Not a Pacifist
Andrew and Thornton discuss another C.S. Lewis essay set during the beginning years of WWII. Lewis gives an overview of reasoning and the different forms of conscience to explain why he is not a pacifist. Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis.
Learning in War-Time
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis
Mere Christianity
Taylor and Thornton journey through one of Lewis's best-known works. It's the source of many people's conversion or the rejuvenation of their faith, as Thornton and Taylor can attest.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context (Broadcasts took place in WWII)
- Overview of the Book
- Criticisms of the Book
- Mentions and References in Popular Culture
- Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes
- Game: Christian Denomination or Not?
References in Episode:
- Sixpence None the Richer Name
- Nietzsche's Superman
- Christian Book March Madness
- PBS' Freud and Lewis Lewis in His Own Words
- Narnia Statues in Yorkshire
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis Special thanks to Jeff Summerville for the intro and outro music
Also, if you want a deeper dive into Mere Christianity then check out the Pints with Jack podcast which goes chapter by chapter.
The Problem of Pain
Taylor and Thornton journey through Lewis's first pure apologetic work.
Episode Outline:
- Banter
- Background and Context
- Overview of the Novel
- Criticisms of the Novel
- Mentions and References in Popular Culture
- Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes
No game this episode for the sake of time. Trust us, we spared you from the super cheesy one we recorded.
References in Episode:
Wikipedia - The Problem of Pain
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis
Special thanks to Jeff Summerville for the new intro and outro music
The Pilgrim’s Regress
Taylor and Thornton journey through Lewis's first novel after becoming a Christian: The Pilgrim's Regress.
Episode Outline:
- Background and Context
- Themes
- Overview of the Novel
- Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes
- Criticisms of the Novel
- Mentions and References in Popular Culture
- Game
References in Episode:
Discussion about the Female Personifications - Crystal Hurd Blog
Notes and Translations for The Pilgrim's Regress
Wikipedia - The Pilgrim's Regress
Connect with us on Twitter at @MereCSLewis
C.S. Lewis: A Life